Colin Slade inspires Pau to 27-21 win over Gloucester in Challenge Cup opener

Pau 27-21 Gloucester Rugby, Stade du Hameau
Scorecard

Fly-half Colin Slade contributed with 15 points as Pau kick started their European Challenge Cup campaign with a 27-21 win over Gloucester Rugby at Stade du Hameau on Thursday.

The Pool 3 contest started without a point for the first 15 minutes following which flanker Daniel Ramsay crossed over allowing Slade to add the extras.

The lead for the home side soon doubled as Slade scored a converted try seven minutes later and Paul ended the first half with a scoreline of 14-0.

Slade further extended Pau's advantage with back to back penalties in the second half and finally the visitors managed to get on board with a touchdown from Ruan Ackermann in the 54th minute and Ben Vellacott followed him with the second try for the side 15 minutes later. Pau had a lead of 20-12 as the final 10 minutes entered.

Winger Frank Halai stretched the lead to 15 points for Pau with a 72nd minute try while Henry Purdy's last minute crossover ensured Gloucester a losing bonus point as they succumbed to a six point defeat.

Pau and Gloucester will face Zebre and Agen respectively in the round two of the tournament.